1 October 2026 · Captain Geoff
October 2026 Okanagan Lake Fishing Report
- Working depth25–45 ft, deeper as conditions require
- Trolling speed2.5–3.2 mph, adjusted to conditions
- What's happeningCooling water and more active rainbows
October is one of our favourite times of year to fish Okanagan Lake. The water is cooling down, the trout are getting more active, and the bigger rainbows are putting on the feed before winter.
For us, October is bucktail season.
Bucktail Fishing
We're targeting rainbow trout with a selection of proven bucktails, including the Karen, Dark Knight, Grey Ghost, Cop Car and Blue Jay.
As the water temperatures drop, we're generally working our bucktails deeper and adjusting throughout the day to find where the fish are holding. We're typically looking in the 25–45 foot range, with some days requiring us to get deeper depending on conditions and where the trout are showing on the sonar.
Trolling speed is another important part of the presentation. We're generally running our bucktails around 2.5–3.2 mph, adjusting speed depending on the fly, water conditions and how the fish are responding. Don't be afraid to pick up the pace—sometimes that faster presentation is exactly what triggers an aggressive rainbow to chase down a bucktail.
The key is keeping the bucktail moving naturally while covering water and paying attention to where the fish are holding.
The Fall Bite
October rainbows can be aggressive. When a good Okanagan Lake rainbow commits to a bucktail, the hit can be violent, and these fish don't give up easily.
We're constantly changing depth, speed and fly selection until we find what the trout want that day. The Karen, Dark Knight, Grey Ghost, Cop Car and Blue Jay will all get time in the spread, depending on the conditions and what the fish are telling us.
Fall also brings some of the best conditions of the year for being on Okanagan Lake. Cooler temperatures, fewer boats and beautiful fall weather make October a great time to get out and chase a quality rainbow on the fly.
If you're looking to experience Okanagan Lake bucktail fishing, October is a great time to be on the water.
Bucktail selection
Guests fish our patterns free on any charter. To buy them, call Geoff on 250-862-2109 or see the fly range.
Okanagan Bucktail Co.
Targeting trophy trout on the fly.
Full & Half-Day Charters Available
Ready to get on the water?
No booking forms and no waiting. Call or text Geoff and you will know within the hour whether your dates work. Half day $500, full day $800, per boat.